China deports North Korean defectors despite fears for their lives

South Korean rights activists shout slogans outside the Chinese embaasy in Seoul during a rally demanding that Beijing scrap plans to repatriate arrested refugees from North Korea.

South Korean media is reporting that China has sent nine North Korean defectors home, despite warnings their lives are at risk.

The Yonhap news agency says that the refugees were sent back last weekend. It says that about 30 North Korean other refugees have been caught by Chinese authorities this month and are awaiting repatriation. The Chosun Ilbo puts the figure at 200. It quotes the defectors' group North Korea Intellectuals Solidarity as saying that the refugees may be killed once they arrive back in North Korea.

"Security forces and senior party officials are intimidating and threatening their families. Rumors are spreading that they will be executed to set an example," the group reportedly said.

Activists demonstrating in the South Korean capital of Seoul also warned that the fugitives face severe punishment if forced to return to the North.

The reports of repatriation come despite a statement from the South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak on Wednesday, asking that North Koreans be treated in line with international rules.